Nightshade's Bite

Blood Wars #2

by Zoe Forward

Kiera Rossard’s secret life just got complicated. When not being a vampire aristocrat she’s leader of the Nightshade League, a rebel vampire society that rescues werewolves during the interspecies war. Everyone wants her dead—vampires and the werewolves who don’t know her secret. Starting with the wolf she just saved—Michael Durand, the most vicious killer of her kind in existence. Something about the notorious werewolf sets her blood on fire.

She’s not good at resisting temptation. So what if vampires always bite when they’re turned on? And so what if one drop of his blood will kill her? What’s life without a little risk?

Michael doesn’t like vampires. At all. But now he’s losing his mind over the dark desire Kiera stirs in him. He should plot her death. Only, she’s hot and mouthy. Staying near her a bit longer is irresistible. When unforgiving forces hone in on her secret identity, he must decide between duty to his people and protecting her. But if he stays, who will protect her from him?

Each book in the Blood Wars series is STANDALONE:
* The Way You Bite
* Nightshade's Bite

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Audiobook, Vampires, Fantasy, M F Romance, Shapeshifters

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, parent, wife, veterinarian, chocolate lover. Author of spicy paranormal and contemporary romances. Zoe Forward brings readers the perfect combination of action adventure, romance, humor and a bit of magic.

Her novels have won numerous awards including the Prism, Readers' Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers' Best Award.
You can find her residing in the South with a menagerie of four-legged beasts and two wild kids.

[Note: Many apologies, but I'm terrible at checking my Goodreads emails! If you'd like to send a note/msg, please catch me on Instagram or FB)

See the latest on Zoe's website: http://www.zoeforward.com

Don't miss the newsletter: http://www.zoeforward.com/contact/

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

"Nightshade's Bite" delivers a delicious tale full of rousing action, dark conspiracies, and illicit passions!

Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This works as a standalone but as I write the first book in this series The Way You Bite is free on kindle.
So I was really interested in this different approach to paranormal romance and was very impressed with this the first book I've read by this author. A war between Vampires and Werewolves might not sound like the most original idea but it's definitely got a twist. We have hybrids, magic and even a virus that is affecting the blood that is safe for Vampires to drink. Add in families that most assuredly need counselling and yes this had a very different take on Vampires.
I won't rehash the plot but Keira is a very unusual heroine and she might divide opinions as she admits she's a do gooder who is also an adrenaline junky ! Pair her with Vampire hating Michael and you expect the sparks to fly and yet the author changed it up and made them instantly obsessed with each other. It's not instant romance exactly and occasionally I didn't really feel the dialogue between them as Kiera is convinced Michael has some type of allure mojo. This book definitely ended in a way I hadn't expected which lends itself to all sorts of possibilities especially considering that there's another sister but obviously my lips are sealed.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Zoe Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for you to read this story of forbidden love.

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightshade’s Bite by Zoe Forward is the 2nd book in her Blood Wars series. We meet our heroine, Kiera Rossard, as she is in disguise at a party with humans and vampires. What most people do not know, Keira, who is a vampire, is the leader of the Nightshade League, a society that helps rescues werewolves in an interspecies war. She is called to help rescue a werewolf captured by the bad vampires, and when she and her team rescue the wolf, she is shocked at who it is.

Michael Durand, is one of the most powerful and feared werewolves, who is known to be an elite vampire killer. Michael hates vampires, and he is not too happy to be rescued by a vampire, not to mention a woman. He has no control, even if the Nightshade team is trying to rescue him, and he lashes out at them, but a tranquilizer will force him to safety.

Both Keira and Michael find themselves strangely attracted to each other, something Michael cannot seem to handle, as he has had no feelings for many years; not to mention she is a vampire. Keira finds herself unable to resist Michael, but she knows the danger of acting on her lust for him, could kill her with just one bite of his blood. Michael is losing his mind on this desire for Keira, and at the same time wanting to kill her. However, the leaders of the werewolf group, warns Michael he cannot harm Kiera, since she works with them and is close to them all. He will go to some ancient leaders to find out how to handle his uncontrollable feelings. When Keira decides to put herself in danger to save her sister, Michael is determined to protect her, as he knows she is falling into a trap. Will Michael save her? Will Kiera survive?

I really loved Kiera, as she made a great heroine, and was willing to put herself in danger to save the werewolves and her friends. Michael was a bit off the wall, totally wild in his hatred, but in time, he will realize how much he needs her to bring him back to a normal sane life. I thought Zoe Forward created a great group of secondary characters from all sides.

What follows is an exciting, nonstop action throughout, that had me unable to put the book down. The last half of the book was an intense wild exciting race to the climax. Nightshade’s Bite was very well written by Zoe Forward, with an exciting story line, two warring species, great secondary characters, and a couple that were sizzling hot. Nightshade’s Bite was another fun, exciting & captivating story. I look forward to the next book in this fantastic series.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Linda Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keira is a very tough vampire and very old but she has chosen to save the werewolves from a deadly virus and stop her own kind from destroying them when she saved Michael one of the oldest werewolves. The attraction to each other is off the charts but Keira can never be with him as his blood would kill her but it doesn’t stop them being in love but the Termination League would love to capture and kill the leader. I felt so bad for Keira and later for Michael and the love they can never have. Good story not as violent as it could have been.

[Angel Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much Entangled Pub for sending me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Oh my gosh. This story was yummy. It had some of my favorite elements. Like werewolves and vampires and I am obsessed!

It was such a fast read and it had me hooked from the beginning. Anytime I had to take a break from reading, I'd be super excited to continue reading it again!

The romance had me in love. It was steamy and delicious!

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲: Werewolves, Vampires, Steam, Forbidden Love.

[Ash P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can easily be read as a standalone since I had not read the first in series and didn’t not get lost. Keira and Michael’s dynamic is interesting to read about. Ancient as they are the intensity of their feelings are quite youthful. Plenty of action, romance and mystery to satisfy this PNR lover.

Advanced review copy provided for voluntary review consideration

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was going to say this is a better read than the first installment but I think a more precise way to describe this book is it has more focus. World building is slow and steady. The protagonists are sharper. Zoe Forward has more growth to do but this wasn’t an irritating book this time.

[Sira💜 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for an honest review. 3.5 stars out of five. (my rating system: [one star = no.] [two stars = meh] [three stars = okay] [four stars = yes.] [five stars = wow!]) Nightshade’s Bite is book two in the Blood Wars series and can be read as a standalone.

This is my first book from Zoe Forward, I haven't read the first novel in this series (The Way You Bite). I had a hate love relationship with the female mc. She was strong and could take care of herself but she was also annoying at times when it came to her weakness for Michael. They did have an instant connection when they met and it was so obvious and too fast for my tastes but I also understand it was necessary for the plot. Regarding the plot, there was just so much information and things going on. It took a while to fully grasp everything that was said but it made for a more interesting read. But while I was still getting into it I had to force myself to continue reading while taking breaks because I didn't really get hooked in until around the climax and resolution. I did enjoy the themes of family and loyalty between different characters.

Plot Summary:
There is an interspecies war going on between the werewolves and the vampires. Kiera Rossard is a vampire aristocrat and also the secret leader of the Nightshade’s League. Their mission is to rescue werewolves caught in the crossfire. One fateful mission in Paris ends up with Kiera rescuing Michael Durand- the most renowned vampire killer in existence- and realizing he has a powerful allure like no other pulling her in. The attraction is dangerous since one drop of his werewolf blood will kill her. Kiera may be a good doer but she’s also an adrenaline junkie and not good at resisting temptation. Even if being with Michael and surviving was possible their kinds would never accept them together mixing the species.
Michael Durand hates vampires. He lives to kill them and be the war general the werewolves need. He doesn’t understand why Kiera stirs some desire deep within him. He knows he should leave her and never see her again but staying near her a little bit longer is devastatingly appealing. When powerful players discover her secret, Michael’s forced to make a choice between helping his people or protecting her. Only being around her isn't safe for her either…

If you’re looking for a steamy forbidden love paranormal romance with lots of plot give this a shot. Especially if you’re into some blood lust and alpha vibes..

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐺🐺ONE SENSATIONAL ADVENTURE🐺🐺
Hatching hellhounds homer! Zoe unleashes one helluva boot-stomping, refreshing smackdown with this incredibly tantalizing, rock-my-world tempest, delivering up some harsh truths, cruel facts and relentless drive, launching this gem to staggering heights. Rushing headlong into a minefield brimming with riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, hidden agendas, escalating danger, electrifying suspense and nailbiting situations ensue, allies are forged and battle lines are drawn, cranking this baby full throttle and listening to it purr, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Mannerisms and attributes in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this intricate web so securely and precise, witnessing the deadly struggles and thrilling triumphs, attentive to the perilous twists and wicked turns unfolding, exposing the soaring ups and agonizing downs, hurling this gem to life spectacularly. The raw magnetism, undeniable attraction and combustible chemistry collides with such intensity and ardor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, bringing our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Zoe, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Kiera and Michael in Nightshade’s Bite, are an explosive couple in so many ways. Both powerful, even dangerous to their foes. Both stubborn and dedicated to their causes (even if that seems counter-productive to their species). And perhaps most explosive of all… their instant sizzling attraction which will be the cause of so much passion, indecision, and changing of attitudes as they find their way to each other, and often through enemies.

Nightshade’s Bite is intense, there are undercurrents throughout Kiera and Michael’s story of the interspecies war going on around them, Kiera’s secret, and Michael’s hatred of any vampire. Watching these two deal with their fiery attraction to each other while trying to juggle the other things going on around them was an interesting journey. Their banter often gave me a chuckle along the way for Kiera really does have a way of spinning words to her advantage. Most of what you’d really need to know before picking up this one can be found in the Cover Description – and I find myself not wanting to go into details that would spoil their story. It can be read as a standalone, but I’m going back for the first story because now I’d like to see how this world began… you may feel the same way. I enjoyed myself in this world, it’s gritty, dangerous, and intriguing. I’ll definitely be back for more.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes books written in the same world (ie: series) but advised they are standalones, really do work out. While Nightshade’s Bite does well as a standalone, I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more had I read the first book in the Blood Wars series. Guess I will need to go back and read the first book but until then, moving forward. I did enjoy Kiera and Michael’s forbidden romance story. Forbidden because vampires and werewolves are at war. Well, that and there’s a virus in Michael’s blood that would kill Keira. Oopsie! This would most definitely put a kink in their getting together that is if the war didn’t.

There’s quite a bit going on in this forbidden love story. It’s fast paced, with just the right amount of heat. I liked Michael from the beginning although I did struggle a bit with Kiera. That is until I sorted out her motives. Their attraction to each other is obvious from the beginning. While I’m more partial to stories with more of a slow build-up, their insta-attraction does work out. There are quite a few plot twists that kept my attention hooked and an ending that had me ready to read more of this series.

As this is my first book by the author Zoe Forward, got to say I like her work. I see she has quite a few books, of which look like they are right up my alley. I look forward to reading those and continuing with this series.

Stars – 3.5

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! I have never read a book by Zoe Forward and I am so happy I have found this author! I will continue this series. This book can be read as a standalone or read within the series, whichever you prefer.

Kiera is a vampire who is also the Nighshade's League secret leader. There is an interspecies war between the vampires and the werewolves. There is also a virus that was unleashed that has infected the blood of humans. Kiera is a good person who tries to do good things. The purpose of Nighshade's league is they try to help werewolves who are caught in the middle of the war and need saved.

Michael is a werewolf and one of the top werewolves at that. He he is a war general and absolutely despises vampires. He would never go out of his way to help one. His blood is lethal to any vampire, one drop of his blood could kill any one of them.

One night Kiera rescues Michael and their connection is absolutely instant. They aren't safe though because neither of their species' elders would consent to their mixed relationship and they can't deny their feelings for each other.

This is a forbidden romance that is very steamy. I enjoyed this book from the very first chapter. It is very action packed where it never left me feeling like there was a lull in the story. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

**I received this ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an honest review**

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After taking a long time between book 1 and 2 of this series, I can confirm that they can certainly be read as standalone books. I didn't remember anything of the world or the characters, but the author did a great job catching me up throughout.

Keira is a loner, having been burned (or almost chopped in half) by controlling people in her life before. She's a very old vampire and she has dedicated her life and resources to trying to subvert the war vampires have on werewolves. She hides her identity well, but has been forced to mostly hide who she is or play particular roles. On a night when she is flipping between roles, she ends up rescuing a very grumpy wolf from a hit squad. Said wolf turns out to be a celebrity of sorts in the werewolf world - Michael Durand.

Michael has also become a bit of a loner, forced to play the role of werewolf savior while not holding the title of king. He's lost all drive, other than a murderous feeling towards all vampires. That somehow doesn't seem to include Keira, who he is inexplicably drawn to. These two sizzle and it seems obvious to their friends/family/associates but they are determined to fight and martyr themselves instead. We get some solid resolution at the end of this book, but I'm still a little sad that the series appears to end here. There is a lot of potential for the side characters to get a more satisfying ending to their tale.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed to satisfy my paranormal mood.
This is part of a series and can be read as a standalone. This story moves at a good pace and is never boring. Lots of action scenes before we get to the romance parts. We also get a little magic thrown in there too and that brings a little twist too.

Kiera Rossard leads a complicated life. Her status as the daughter of powerful vampires and the leader of The Nightshade League. A rebel vampire society that helps werewolves in need/danger. She's always in danger as well, from the vampires hunting members of the league and from the werewolves who don't realize what she does to help their species. Especially the one she just saved, Michael Durand, the most vicious vampire killer.
When she catches the scent of his blood it calls to her and leaves her almost unable to resist him.

Michael loathes vampires but Kiera stirs something in him. She's making him feel things he's never felt before. They both know they should walk away but keep finding a way back to each other. Michael tries talking Kiera out of her next mission. When she sets out to fulfill the mission he goes to protect her. But will they be able to survive this growing attraction they feel for each other?

Thanks to Entangled, NetGalley and the author for this ARC to review.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action packed paranormal romantic suspense and a great read! It is the second book in this paranormal series and I can vouch for the fact that it works well as a standalone as I haven't read the first book, The Way You Bite, yet - though I have downloaded myself a copy after reading this one! (It is free at the moment, too!)

The vampires and werewolves are at war with each other - well, most of them are! There are, however, a few renegades who are members of the very secret Nightshade League who rescue captured werewolves from the vampires. Their leader is Kiera Rossard, a member of the vampire aristocracy but she never expected to rescue Michael Durand, the werewolf battle leader. The attraction between the two is magnetic but both know that their relationship is doomed before they even start as shifter blood is lethal to vampires. However, is fate bringing the two together - or will it drive them apart as her secret identity is in danger of being revealed putting not only her in danger . . .

There are multiple paranormal beings, family secrets, magic and surprises galore in this page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am really looking forward to reading the previous book soon - trust me to read them in the wrong order!

Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Blood Wars series by Zoe Forward.

Kiera Rossard’s secret life just got complicated. Kiera is a member of the Nightshade League, a rebel vampire society that rescues werewolves during the interspecies war, but she is also a Vampire aristocrat. She needs to hide who she is or everyone will want her dead. She just saved Michael Durand, the most vicious killer of her kind in existence, but something about him sets her blood on fire and she is not good at resisting temptation. Unfortunately, one drop of his blood could kill her.

Michael doesn’t like vampires, but now he has an overwhelming desire for Kiera. He should be planning her death, but he is to overcome by attraction. Kiera's secret is out and she needs protection. This book has a wonderfully fast pace and a variety of interesting characters. I am greatly looking forward to additional books in the series.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy Alexandra Ivy's Guardian's of Eternity series of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breeds series.

I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't given a 5 star review in ages but this book totally deserves it. my first read also by the author and I'll definitely be reading others!

the book has a really engaging storyline throughout with great dynamic characters and lots of detail so you can picture scenes and people as it happens. it helped the characters had a really strong, believable, steamy connection! the personalities between the main and supporting characters mixed together mixed seamlessly.

the story flows cohesively and theres no dull lulls, its action packed... you can tell the author really took the time to build the story with all the detail and action that happened which I loved.

it's also a true standalone within a series which made the ending and overall story fulfilling.

a lot of twists and turns right to the end which I loved! it's worth the read !

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world of supernatural creatures is a war raging between the vampires and the werewolves. Keira, a vampire and wolf sympathizer, is fighting against her own to save werewolves. Michael, a werewolf legend, doesn’t trust her. When she rescues him, she finds the smell of his blood irresistible. Unfortunately vampires die when they drink werewolf blood. Michael is equally intrigued by her but there is no way for them to be together.
Opinion
The book seems to focus mostly on their infatuation with each other. I couldn’t help but root for them somehow ending up together.
The laws of supernaturals in this book are a bit different and fascinating. I often wonder about the differences in rules/laws authors have for them. This book seems to have a new take.
The book was quite enjoyable.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Ashbonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate this a five out of five! Such a great supernatural romance! I loved that love diaries to defy and fight.

Kiera is fighting for lives trying to preserve lives. She is also a vampire with special abilities but hates that the underdogs - the werewolves - have been the victim for so long. She is apart of the vampire resistance that are fighting against their own kind.

Michael is a werewolves general seeking to obliterate the enemy and end the war between vampires and werewolves.

When Michael and Kiera meet it’s hard to know if instinct will kick in for the enemies. But there is an electric current and almost magnetic. Kiera can’t resist the wiles of a powerful werewolf in his prime. Will this be the end or something of a beginning?

Netgalley provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiera is a vampire and leader of the Nightshade Society. The Society helps wolves during the interspecies war. A virus was released and it has contaminated human blood. While on a mission, Kiera rescues a werewolf. Michael is a wolf and fights the vampires and hates them, until Kiera. One drop of Michael’s blood would kill Kiera but the attraction between them is too hot to ignore. The vampire elders want to kill the leader of Nightshade and will do anything to achieve that. Kiera brought Michael back from the brink of death but could it end up causing her death?

First time reading this author and I loved it. Vampires, werewolves, secrets, and deadly attraction. The characters are well written and the story is easy to follow.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

[Megan Hubble-Roney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book - while there were moments in wondered about connections, I didn't feel lost so I'd say these can be a standalone.

Oh boy this ended up being so fun to read! I expected a super stuffy male who threw his weight around at an obnoxious female that thought she was infallible. I was wrong. All around. Kiera and Michael are phenomenal characters that bounce their chemistry and personalities off each other in ways that only feed the storyline an dmake it better. The secondary characters are also fantastic and I can't wait to see if we get their stories as well.

After writing this I'm gojng back and reading the first book because I've GOT to know how a Vampire King's daughter ends up with the Werewolf King!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightshade's Bite by Zoe Forward is book Two in the Blood Wars Series. This is the story of Michael Durand and Kiera Rossard. I have read the previous book which did add to my enjoyment of this one but I do feel it can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Kiera and Michael are star crossed lovers who have been taught to stay away or kill each other. But Kiera has a secret her and some other vampires have a rebel society that actually recuses werewolves. Michael is a werewolf and he hates all vampires but there is something about the sassy vampire that he can't turn away from.
Loved their story. I do recommend it and I plan on reading more from this author.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read this book as a standalone even though it is part of an interconnected series. Keira, a vampire and even though her species is at war with werewolves, she is a "wolf sympathizer", who is fighting to save the werewolves. Michael, a werewolf and hates vampires and even though she saves him, he doesn't trust her. There is crazy chemistry between these two, but as irresistible as his blood smells, it will kill her if she drinks it. The book is well paced, grabs the reader and hangs on to the end. There is action. twists, and lots of turns. Solid Fun Read

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires and Werewolves what more could you ask for. This book has two great Characters. Kiera who is a tough vampire who has been around for a long time and Michael who is one of the oldest werewolves that are around. Put them together and watch the sparks fly. Kiera is out to protect the werewolves from a very bad virus and also to keep the vampires from killing the werewolves off. One thing leads to another and there is a forbidden romance and one that could really destroy one another. Great book you wont be sorry you picked it up and read it.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A paranormal drama can get anyone out of a rut. Vampires and werewolves to just name a few can be found in these pages. Kiera and Michael can also be found in the pages. The things that will begin to sizzle in this when you dare is just something else that will be in this. He tries to resist just like she should too but things will happen to throw that in the wind. Decisions are not always easy but this one has us hoping for the ones we think will make us out of our element in this world.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved all the different manipulations by Kiera and her heart. She is remarkably steadfast. Her Mother was a bit of a shock but the Druid more so. The ending was perfect. I look forward to more from this author. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and freely leave this honest review.

[Neisha Exeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG.......who doesn’t love a good paranormal romance and add to that a sexy werewolf and a saucy vampire, lol; definitely a receipt for greatness. I loved every single minute of reading this book. Once I started reading I could not put it down. Fantastic book and highly recommended.

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightshade's Bite is book 2 in the Blood Wars series.  This book is actioned packed with werewolves and vampires.  Loved reading about Kiera and Michael. This story line was great. Loved the twist and turns. Great paranormal read

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightshade's Bite is book 2 in the Blood Wars series.  This book is actioned packed with werewolves and vampires.  Loved reading about Kiera and Michael. This story line was great. Loved the twist and turns. Great paranormal read